THE BACKPAGE phakaaathi.co.za Downs deny stalling
£2.5MILLION: WHAT BRIGHTON HAVE OFFERED FOR PERCY TAU’S SERVICES
Mamelodi Sundowns have denied claims they are dragging their feet over a move overseas for attacking star Percy Tau, with English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly interested in the Bafana Bafana striker.
“Mamelodi Sundowns have stated on numerous occasions over the past 18 months that it is committed to ensuring that Percy Tau plays and pursues his career in Europe,” a statement on the club’s website read.
“We have been saddened by misrepresentations and false statements in the media concerning discussions for Percy Tau to play in Europe. Mamelodi Sundowns will not engage and discuss in public and with the media, the confidential negotiations that are currently underway with several interested European clubs for Percy Tau to play in Europe.”
Tau’s representative Mmatsatsi Sefalafala told the June 24 edition of the Sunday Times that Brighton had made an offer, but that Sundowns wanted more money.
“Their latest offer is £2.5 million (R39.7 million), with £2.2 million payable immediately and £300 000 payable next year in June, plus a 5% sell-on. This revised offer was sent to Downs on Thursday night last week,” she told the paper, adding that Sundowns are asking for £4 million pounds for the 24-year-old.
Tau scored 11 league goals and provided 13 assists for Sundowns in the 2017/18 season, ending up as joint top goalscorer with Polokwane City’s Rodney Ramagalela and winning the Players’ Player-of-the-Season and Footballer-of-the-Season at the Premier Soccer League Awards.
Tau has also reportedly not shown up for Sundowns’ preseason camp in Rustenburg in a move that is believed to be an attempt to force the eight-time league-winning side into making sure that he completes his move away from Chloorkop to Europe.
Last year, Downs were accused of dragging their feet when French side Montpellier came knocking for their then star Keagan Dolly, who eventually made the move to the French giants where he has managed 29 appearances since his arrival.